But there is another vital factor that is often overlooked until it is too late: how much your mental health will be supported once you are in the business.
Running a business can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do – but that does not mean it is always easy. The reality is that even with a proven model and strong training, you will still encounter pressure, responsibility and the occasional tough decision. That is part of the journey. What matters is how well you are supported through it.
For franchisors, recognising the importance of franchisee wellbeing is not just the right thing to do – it is smart business. A well-supported network is a resilient one. And resilient franchisees do not just survive – they thrive.
Here, Andy Knights, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts, shares why mental health support should be woven into the fabric of every franchise – and what that looks like in practice.
Support should be more than lip service
Plenty of brands say they “care about their network”. But it is easy to talk about wellbeing – the real question is whether it is embedded into the culture and consistently acted upon.
At Stagecoach, we have worked hard to ensure mental health is not treated as a one-off initiative or a tick-box exercise. Instead, it is an ongoing conversation. Over the past few years, we have introduced regular wellbeing sessions for our franchisees – including sessions with workplace wellbeing expert Michael Matania, focused on mindfulness and stress management. More recently, we launched a comprehensive programme led by wellbeing specialist Becky Davies, designed to equip franchisees with the tools and resources they need to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
These steps are part of a wider commitment: treating franchisees as people first, business owners second. It is a mindset that prioritises longevity, trust and human connection.
If you are considering joining a franchise, look for evidence of this mindset. Do they create space for honest conversations? Do they offer practical support year-round, not just during Mental Health Awareness Week? And perhaps most importantly – how do they respond when someone in their network is struggling?
Franchising should support your life – not consume it
Another key indicator of a franchisor’s values is how they talk about success. Is growth framed as something relentless and all-consuming? Or is it about building something sustainable that supports your wider life goals?
At Stagecoach, we believe that flexibility and freedom should never come at the cost of your wellbeing. Many of our franchisees are drawn to us because they are looking for a better balance – to be present for their families, to do fulfilling work and to enjoy the independence of being their own boss. Our job is to help them achieve that, not pressure them into overextending themselves.
That is why we are intentional about the culture we build. Yes, our franchisees are ambitious and passionate about their schools. But they are also parents, carers, creatives and community members. Supporting the whole person – not just the business owner – is fundamental to how we operate.
A franchise relationship built on trust
Franchising is a partnership – and partnerships thrive on trust, communication and mutual respect. If a franchisor is not interested in how you are feeling or coping, that is a red flag. Your mental health should never be treated as an afterthought.
Ultimately, wellbeing and business success are not separate goals. They are deeply connected. A network of supported, balanced, confident franchisees creates a stronger brand and a more resilient business model – for everyone involved.
So, as you weigh up the options and make decisions about your future, do not be afraid to ask the deeper questions. A franchisor that genuinely values your wellbeing will welcome them – and be ready with answers that go far beyond the usual sales pitch.
When you find a franchise that sees you as a whole person, not just a business owner, you are far more likely to build something that lasts – and something that works for your life.
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